The Ford Focus was the world’s top-selling car again last year, according to sales figures released April 9 by sales tracker R.L. Polk & Co.

Sales of the compact Focus totaled 1,020,410 cars worldwide, with China as a main market behind the car’s success. The Toyota Corolla was the second most popular car, selling 872,774, and the Ford F-Series pickup truck placed third with 785,630 units sold.

According to a statement issued by Ford, China registrations were up 51 percent last year, with the market responsible for just over one out of four Focus vehicles sold globally.

“Since its launch in China in late March of last year, Focus sales continue to strengthen, with the car now ranking as the best-selling passenger car in China in 2012 for the first time ever,” said Jim Farley, a Ford executive vice president. “With additional manufacturing capacity added last year, we now have a tremendous opportunity to further strengthen our global small car sales in 2013, with sales off to a very strong start already.”

The Ford Fiesta also took honors as the world’s best-selling subcompact, with 723,130 registrations last year.

The success of Focus also shows changes in the U.S. car market, with U.S. sales rising 40 percent, according to Ford.

Erich Merkle, a sales analyst at Ford, told CNN the data show the tastes of U.S. consumers converging with those in international markets.

"The U.S. is moving towards smaller vehicles like the Focus, like the Escape," he said. "I don't think there's ever been a time globally when the U.S. [market] has been more like that of the rest of the world."